How to Transition with Your Scalp Condition

10.15.14

While everyone else is itching for length retention I am just trying to stop itching period! If there was anythingI could change about my hair, it would be eliminating my seborrheic dermatitis, no questions asked. Not only does my condition limit my styling options, I also have to limit the amount of days I can go without cleansing. My scalp was at its worst state when I was relaxed, so embracing my natural texture was one of the best health decisions I have made.

Breshuna33 wants to some tips on transitioning with a scalp condition.

Question:

I have scalp psoriasis and I am transitioning to being a natural girl and I do not know good products. I have scalp psoriasis and I am in need of some good healthy products to start my curls. I have not had a perm for almost a year. Half of my hair is curls and the rest are straight but I do not want to do the big chop.

Answer:

I am not sure how mild or severe your scalp psoriasis is, but first and foremost I highly advise you to schedule an appointment with a trichologist. They specialize in treating scalp conditions and can potentially write a prescription if need be and recommend different styling options based on your individual needs. I only transitioned for ten months before big chopping but I think these tips could be useful.

Cleanse frequently

When your dead skin scales are growing at a rapid rate like with scalp psoriasis or your sebum is excreting at a rapid rate like seborrheic dermatitis, cleansing frequently is needed to remove scales and reduce inflammation and irritation. Since the hair is very fragile while transitioning, you want to invest in conditioners with lots of slip to detangle prior to cleansing. Next, you want to either use the cleanser that the dermatologist or trichologist recommended or try one of these top 10 shampoos that won’t dry you out. The way I prevent my curls from becoming stripped when washing so frequently is by doing the condition-wash-condition method. I apply the shampoo to my scalp after I have detangled without rinsing off the product I detangled with (i.e. Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner). The run off of the shampoo will cleanse your detangling product away while rinsing. I faithfully deep condition after cleansing my scalp to restore my hair's pH level and to maintain a good moisture balance. Here are the top 10 deep conditioners for transitioning hair along with 9 of the best moisturizers for transitioning hair to follow up with after rinsing.

Do mindful styling

For many women, long-term transitioning is not as daunting with a protective style like a sew-in or individual braids and twists (e.g. Senegalese twists and Marley twists), but not for those with scalp conditions. Because you may have to cleanse more than once a week, it helps to have styles that give you access to your scalp unlike a sew-in. Individual braids or twists may or may not be an issue. When people with scalp conditions experience excessive flakes and those scales are usually adhered to the scalp and shed into the length of your curls around multiple strands, trying to remove scales from your scalp and hair might cause your roots to be frizzy and even cause breakage if you are not gentle. Trichologist Dr. Kari Williams is a great source for further explanation on how to do effective protective styles. From personal experience, I have noticed that when my scalp is too exposed (i.e. cornrows and mini twists) it becomes even more irritated. Right now I am wearing two buns and my scalp is on its best behavior! Buns were the best option for my transitioning hair and they are now as well. Twist and curl is another great option to help blend the relaxed hair with your natural texture.

I know you do not want to big chop but releasing my hair from the relaxed strands made my condition that much easier to manage. Now I am a wash and go natural who has her scalp condition under control...when I am not being lazy.